High Hopes for De Blasio from Bronx Muslims

Inside the sparely lit basement of the North Bronx Islamic Center at 3156 Perry Ave., a dozen men huddled side by side to observe Tuesday's afternoon prayer. They broke a few minutes later, put their shoes on, and returned to their jobs. But some of them went straight to vote.

The center's imam, Sheikh Masoud Iqbal, said it doesn't matter who becomes mayor as long as that person provides more security and protection for Muslims in his area.

"More crimes are being committed against Muslims, and this needs to change. A person from the Democratic party might be able to improve the situation," said Iqbal.